19.08.2003  RISI COMPETIZIONE DELIGHTED WITH SECOND PLACE FINISH AT MOSPORT

The season long battle between the Calpont Risi Competizione Ferrari 360GT and the factory Porsches is quickly becoming one for the history books. On the smooth gentle curves at the 2.5 mile, 10 turn Mosport International Raceway in Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada, the Calpont Risi Competizione 360GT raced into second place in the GT Class, finishing behind the Alex Job Racing Porsche GT. A stablemate Ferrari 360GT, campaigned by Ferri Competizione of Toronto, Canada, with preparation assistance from the Risi Competizione crew, took 7th in Class.

The podium finish at Mosport marked the third consecutive podium finish for the Calpont Risi Competizione team. At Sonoma, the team finished third, at Three Rivers, they picked up a second place finish, following it up with another second place at Mosport. 

“This is very dramatic stuff,” Risi Competizione Team Principal Giuseppe Risi remarked. “These two teams are going absolutely head-to-head, flat out against one another. The competition is wonderful and we are delighted with the progress of the 360GT. We have approximately half the season left and the racing just gets better with each event.” 

Team Manager David Sims noted that “Qualifying was a bit unfortunate in that there was a big shunt on Ralf’s qualifying lap, and the red flag came out. That set us back on the grid a bit more than we expected. But once the race started, the starting position was not a problem. The boys got after it quite well. “ 

During the race, Sims said, “Everything went as planned. Reliability of the 360GT continues to be one of the car’s strengths. The pitstops went exactly as planned for our car. We were very happy with the results in a very competitive race. We’re also happy that the Ferri Competizione 360GT did so well—the number 32 car had a bit of a misunderstanding during one of their pitstops and that possibly cost them a podium finish. They certainly qualified well and the cars raw flawlessly. And it was fun for Kelleners and Lazzaro in the Risi Comp car to race against Baldi and Bertolini in the Ferri Comp car. Both drivers were well pleased with the event.”

Next stop for the American Le Mans Series is Road America on August 24th at Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. David Sims on what to expect: “It’s a long and fast circuit and we hope that it stays dry for the race because it’s not a very comfortable place when it’s wet. Road America is a horsepower circuit. The Porsches will have a bit of an advantage at this track, but we’re going to be competitive and expect to be there at the end.”

FERRI COMPETIZIONE RACE REPORT

Andrea Bertolini and Mauro Baldi drove the 32 car, carrying the Ferri Competizione of Ontario colors, a Ferrari 360 Modena GT. After a good qualifying race both were more confident about the way the car was handling. They felt the Ferrari was well suited to the tight corners of the Mosport track.  

Andrea Bertolini, in the first 25 laps of the race, running on Pirelli Tires, was in 7th position in his class. Up to that point their fastest lap time was 1:21.48. As the time lengthened into the 1st hour and 14 minutes of the 2 hour and 45 minute race, the team forged ahead into 6th position in their GT class. After completing 41 laps, their fastest lap time was posted as 1:21.48.

More track time seemed to be beneficial to this team who had only 10 days to get ready for this race. The car, prepared by Risi Competizione, flew towards the front of the class an hour and 53 minutes into the race, placing them in second position in their class. At this stage their quickest lap time posted was 1:21.33. “Bertolini is such a quick driver. His in-depth experience racing Ferraris has definitely been an asset to our team this weekend,” stated Mr Ferri the team’s owner.

When they came into the pit to make a driver change there was a communication problem between the crew and the car, which resulted in a long pit stop.  "Right now I think our team is doing very well. We had a pit sop that was longer than normal, but we are still in the game and are going to keep pushing forward," said the team owner. Dave Sims, the Team Manager for Risi Competizioni who was helping run the car, commented, "The Ferri car is still going well mechanically. This is a new crew so they don’t have the advantage of prior experience together like some of the other teams. They are still fighting hard out there and are continuing to do a great job"

Andrea Bertolini who drove the first stint then said, "The beginning of the race was very good. The car is extremely quick because the balance is good. The miscommunication during our pit stop set us back. We are still out there and racing as hard as we can."

As the two hour and 45 minute Grand Prix race ended, the No.32 Ferri Competizione of Ontario Team   finished 7th in their class, and 16th overall. Mauro Baldi and Andrea Bertolini completed 103 laps and set their fastest lap time at 1:21.33.

Remo Ferri, Team Owner, No.32 Ferri Competizione Ferrari 360 Modena GT: "Considering it was only the second time our team ran a race, I’m pleased with our outcome. I was very satisfied with the car’s performance. The Porsches were definitely very fast, but I really feel that all the GT Ferraris out there were giving the Porsches a run for their money. The Ferraris were right there with them and the gap was close. I am happy my friend Giuseppe Risi’s team (Risi Competizione, sponsored by Calpont) took home the second place finish in our class."

Andrea Bertolini, No.32 Ferri Competizione Ferrari 360 Modena GT: "We had a good race. I was very happy with the gearbox. This is the first race of the season for this team and I thought they did a good job. I usually race in Europe in the FIA Series, but I hope to have an opportunity to race in this series (ALMS) again. I really enjoyed the competition here. The series has a great atmosphere and all the people were wonderful to work with."